Collectors MD

The Collector’s Compass

The Collector’s Compass is the official podcast and video series of Collectors MD, where we explore the stories, struggles, and solutions within the world of collecting. Hosted by Alyx Effron, Founder of Collectors MD, each episode dives into real conversations with collectors, industry experts, counselors, and those directly impacted by compulsive collecting behaviors.

From the psychology behind compulsive spending to strategies for finding balance and joy in your hobby, The Collector’s Compass is your guide to navigating the fine line between passion and compulsion. Whether you’re into sports cards, TCGs, memorabilia, sneakers, watches, comics, NFTs, or any other collectibles, this podcast offers insights, inspiration, and support for collectors at all stages.

Make sure to also check out our other video series, Behind The Breaks & Collectors MD Features, streaming on all platforms.

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In Episode #27 of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with consumer-protection attorney, Matthew Litt, for a critical conversation about how modern collecting increasingly mirrors gambling—examining engineered urgency, dopamine-driven systems, legal blind spots, and why real accountability and guardrails are needed to protect collectors without destroying the joy or sustainability of the hobby.
In Episode #26 of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Eric Sterns for an honest conversation about where investing ends and gambling-like behavior begins—exploring how modern markets, trading culture, and the sports card hobby share the same psychological mechanics, why volatility impacts identity as much as finances, and what real guardrails could look like to help people engage more intentionally without killing growth or passion.
In Episode #25 of The Collector’s Compass, Geoff Wilson joins us for a direct conversation about how modern breaking can drift into gambling-like territory and why the hobby needs real guardrails to help collectors #RipResponsibly. They unpack the pressures driving overspending, the role platforms play, and how leaders can help build a safer, more intentional hobby.
In Episode #24 of The Collector’s Compass, Jack Miller (@JBMcards) joins us to unpack how misinformation, countdown pressure, and high-speed live selling are harming collectors. They revisit Jack’s viral clip about a fabricated comp and use it to expose the deeper issues driving manipulation, FOMO bidding, and exploitation in the modern hobby.
In Episode #23 of The Collector’s Compass, Charles Howard (@CollectorCharles) joins us to explore why a hobby built on joy so easily turns into pressure, confusion, and financial strain. They break down manufactured hype, breaking mechanics, grading inconsistencies, and the psychological levers shaping collector behavior—offering clarity, accountability, and a path toward intentional collecting.
In Episode #22 of The Collector’s Compass, Hyde (@chinchillamajor)—a dedicated member of the Collectors MD community—joins Alyx to explore how fandom collecting across TCG, anime, cosplay, and merch can shift from comfort to compulsion. They discuss stepping back from triggering spaces, grieving old identities, and rebuilding boundaries—offering clarity and hope for anyone questioning whether their collecting is still serving them.
In Episode #21 of The Collector’s Compass, Saul Malek—gambling recovery advocate and keynote speaker—joins us to examine where modern collecting crosses into gambling. We unpack the psychology behind dopamine-driven mechanics, near-miss loops, and high-pressure hobby environments, and explore how awareness, education, and intentional guardrails can help collectors reclaim clarity without losing what they love.
In Episode #20 of The Collector’s Compass, Mark Hill—founder of My Card Post—joins us to examine how marketplace design shapes collector behavior. We break down the rise of fee-heavy, fast-paced platforms, the gambling-style mechanics driving burnout, and why My Card Post’s transparency-first model offers a healthier path forward. This conversation looks at the tension between collecting and compulsion, the psychology behind panic bidding and dopamine loops, and how ethical platforms can protect collectors instead of exploiting them.
In Episode #19 of The Collector’s Compass, Ryan Roelans—President & CEO of Better Way of Miami—joins us to explore how recovery principles like harm reduction and accountability apply to collecting. We unpack the psychology of impulse, the illusion of control, and how awareness can help collectors rebuild balance without losing what they love.
In Episode #18 of The Collector’s Compass, Mikey Dabb (@thecamp0ut)—a longtime sneaker and streetwear collector—joins us to explore how the same psychology driving hype in sneaker culture has reshaped the modern card hobby. We unpack the parallels between sneakers and cards—the chase, the dopamine loops, and the shift from passion to prediction—and talk about how collectors can reconnect with meaning, community, and authenticity in a market built on hype.
In Episode #17 of The Collector’s Compass, Rob “ODAAT” Minnick—founder of One Day At A Time Gambling Awareness—joins us to explore the overlap between gambling recovery and collecting. We break down how dopamine loops, odds-based mechanics, and impulsive habits fuel both worlds, and how awareness, honesty, and small daily choices can turn the chase into something healthy again.
In Episode #16 of The Collector’s Compass, Brad Sauder (@tradingcardhalloffame)—founder of The Trading Card Hall Of Fame—joins us to talk about bringing purpose back to collecting.We explore how the Hall celebrates iconic cards for their meaning, not their market value, and why storytelling, history, and joy still matter in a profit-driven hobby. A nostalgic, grounded conversation about rediscovering why we collect—and how to keep the heart of the hobby alive.
In Episode #15 of The Collector’s Compass, Alijah (@Hoosier_Pulls) joins us to continue our August conversation on his channel—diving into guardrails, reform, and the path toward a healthier hobby. A candid look at accountability, culture, and change—proving progress starts when passion meets intention.
In Episode #14 of The Collector’s Compass, Ambre LaVanway—shares the partner’s perspective on compulsion, recovery, and rediscovering joy in collecting. A raw look at love, boundaries, and healing—proving recovery isn’t just personal, it’s shared.
In Episode #13 of The Collector’s Compass, Doc Schwartz—educator, government veteran, and creator of ediSportscards—joins us to discuss honesty, accountability, and recovery in collecting. We explore dopamine loops, secrecy and shame, abstinence vs. intention, and how the culture can shift from chasing comps to rediscovering connection and meaning.
In Episode #12 of The Collector’s Compass, Chris MacRae—CPA, strategic finance pro, and founder of The Smarter Collector—joins to talk about helping collectors move from impulse to intention. We dig into how structure and education can shorten the learning curve from FOMO to confidence, why burnout happens when habits lack boundaries, and how tools, systems, and community can work together to keep joy and meaning at the center of collecting.
In Episode #11 of The Collector’s Compass, Tyler Santiago—owner of Santiago Sports—joins us to share what it takes to run a modern LCS. We talk about building Santiago Sports into a trusted shop and brand, how local shops can thrive in a break-driven hobby, why reputation and community matter as much as product, and the challenges and opportunities shop owners face today.
In Episode #10 of The Collector’s Compass, Chris “HOJ” McGill—co-founder of Card Ladder—returns to dive deeper into the culture and future of the hobby. We discuss the new Collectors MD × Card Ladder affiliate partnership, why the National reflects today’s spectacle-driven hobby, the difference between investing and speculating, and how natural partnership allies can help build a healthier ecosystem.
In Episode #9 of The Collector’s Compass, Chris “HOJ” McGill—co-founder of Card Ladder—shares his journey from chasing a childhood Jordan grail to building a trusted data platform. He reflects on investing vs. speculating, the importance of ethical data, and why transparency and intention are essential for the hobby’s future.
In Episode #8 of The Collector’s Compass, Travis (@montananorseman) shares what collecting means to him—from cards honoring his grandfather and military service to tributes for a Marine friend he lost. His story shows that collecting doesn’t need to be expensive or impressive to others—just expressive and meaningful to yourself.

In Episode #7 of The Collector’s Compass, Dr. Aakar “Rick” Shah, D.O. joins us to unpack the medical and psychological side of compulsive collecting. We dive into dopamine loops, risk-reward psychology, and the “gray area” between gambling and addiction—plus practical ways collectors can spot red flags and find balance in the hobby.

In Episode #6 of The Collector’s Compass, therapist-in-training Traylor Disbrow (@traylordisbrow) joins us to explore how collecting can shift from passion to compulsion. We talk about dopamine, addiction, marketing, and the red flags every collector should know—plus how peer support and therapy can help bring balance back to the hobby.
In Episode #5 of The Collector’s Compass, licensed therapist Dayae Kim joins us for a powerful conversation on mental health, identity, and the emotional toll collecting can take when passion turns into pressure. We explore how therapy can support clarity, boundaries, and healing—both in the hobby and beyond.
In Episode #4 of The Collector’s Compass, we sit down with Andrew (@tecmocards), for a raw, honest conversation about mental health, recovery, and the role collecting played in rediscovering connection and purpose. More than just cards—this one’s about healing, hope, and holding space for others.
In Episode #3 of The Collector’s Compass, we sit down with Mya (@bullseye_breaks) to talk about what it means to collect with intention—focusing on personal connection, meaning, and joy over hype and dollar signs. A refreshing Gen Z perspective the hobby needs right now.
In Episode #2 of The Collector’s Compass, Denny (@denny_cards) joins us for a raw conversation about the state of the hobby—its highs, lows, mental toll, and lack of accountability. This isn’t just about cards—it’s about conscience. Collect with purpose, not pressure.
In our debut episode of The Collector’s Compass, we’re joined by Kevin Kastrava (@kjk92_), a Licensed Gambling Counselor with a powerful story. From battling addiction to becoming a counselor, Kevin shares his journey, the psychology of gambling, and how it connects to collecting.